Modeling Millisecond Time Interval Estimation in Space Fortress Game

Jungaa Moon, Carnegie Mellon University

John Anderson, Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract

We investigated sources of the asymmetric bias found in estimation
of a time interval (250-400 ms) embedded in the Space Fortress task (Donchin,
1989). Two hypotheses to explain this bias were tested in a behavioral
experiment: 1) contamination from a different time interval representation, and
2) pressure to complete the task in time. Participants alternated between
producing the target interval and producing either a shorter or a longer interval
while the total time allowed for the task was manipulated. The results showed
that the target interval estimate was significantly influenced by both
manipulations. The effects were captured by incorporating the timing model of
Taatgen and Van Rijn (2011) into the ACT-R model for Space Fortress (Bothell,
2010). Time estimation performed in a dynamic task requires understanding the
influence of external temporal tasks as well as the procedural demands of
performing multiple tasks under time pressure.